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Thursday, 4 April 2013

Kate In Tartan Moloh Coat For Day of Scottish Engagements

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge carried out a series of engagements in Glasgow today as part of a two-day trip to Scotland.

The soon-to-be parents, known as the Earl and Countess of Strathearn in Scotland began the visit with a tour of the Emirates Arena, one of the venues for the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. The couple enjoyed watching a practice session with cyclists in the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome (Cyclist Chris is Scotland's most successful Olympic athlete) and watched athletics, badminton and netball demonstrations.

William and Kate were London 2012 ambassadors during the Olympics last summer and attended numerous sporting events in their roles; they are both athletic and have loved sports since a young age. With this in mind, they are obviously eager to lend their support to the upcoming Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

The Commonwealth Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, known for sponsorship reasons as the Emirates Arena is an indoor arena and velodrome built specially for the Commonwealth Games. The arena has a capacity of 5,000 and during the games it will host twelve badminton courts in three indoor sports halls. It is an impressive venue and I expect it is entirely possible the Cambridges will attend events during the games.

Emirates Arena

The Duchess met with athletes during her tour of the arena.

The Cambridges took a few moments to chat and exchange smiles at the arena. Onlooker Louise Robertson noted they "laugh together a lot".

The couple unveiled a plaque inside the venue.

Louise Robertson Twitter Feed

Meanwhile outside, eight month old Heidi felt hungry on walkabout and began to munch on Kate's flowers :) Kate enjoys chatting with the baby telling her "They're probably not so tasty". You can watch Kate's adorable conversation with Heidi and her mum Shirley here.

Georgina Brewer Twitter

While Kate was busy discouraging Baby Heidi from eating flowers William was feeling rather discouraged himself (the video is here, with many thanks to the wonderful British Royals).

British Royals Twitter Feed

The little girl was holding a burgundy carnation. William asked "Is that for me?" The girl shook her head and said no, William smiled and said "It's for Kate. Quite right".

No doubt the couple have many fond memories of Scotland, where they first met as students at St. Andrew's University in 2001. Hello! shared this interesting piece about the royals connection to Scotland:

'William and Kate fell in love with coastal town of St. Andrew's, in Fife. Married almost two years, they're now expecting the baby that will represent the new generation of royals. Both still support the university where they became sweethearts.

They recently took a trip down memory lane for St Andrew's University 600th anniversary celebration in February. The Duke described the occasion as "very special for Catherine and me." and said he and the Duchess loved St. Andrew's for the friendships they made there "I thank God for those friendships, our friendship, forged in our ancient halls.'

It's been quite a journey for William and Kate since they graduated in 2005; I've always loved this photo and thought the visit a very apt time to share it again :)

The Middleton Family 2011 Flickr

Next, Their Royal Highnesses had lunch at the Civic Hall Civic Chambers before visiting the Quarriers Stopover Project, a homeless project for youths aged 16-25 based in the south side of the city. Quarriers Stopover is a short-term residential unit for 14 people who find themselves homeless. Many of the people who arrive at Quarriers have drug or alcohol addiction problems and mental health issues. Staff at the project are trained to support them and work intensively addressing head-on the challenges they face.

William had a Skype conversation with two homeless Scottish people working in Holland. Dylan Howie and Lyn Burchan are taking part in an innovative exchange programme in the Dutch town of Papendrecht and both described the call as "Brilliant and exciting".

'The Duchess meanwhile turned producer as she called "cut" during a filming session, one of several workshops available for youngsters at the Quarrier's Stopover Project.

Kate reassured the camera-shy actors and applauded when they finished their pieces. She admitted that knitting was so far not one of her strong points when a resident presented her with a woollen hat for her child along with a teddy bear and a babygro.

She said: "I've been trying to knit and I'm really bad. I should be asking for tips". She told 17 year-old Caitlin Coffield: "It's very sweet of you, I'll keep it safe for the big day".

The staff and young people at Quarriers have been eagerly anticipating the royal visit since it was officially announced. In this video 18-year-old Jason discusses how much it means to him. If you wish to support 'Scotland's Family Charity' you can find all relevant information here.

Quarriers

The Duchess did a walkabout and took her time meeting locals - to the exasperation of her private secretary.

Paul Harrison Twitter Feed

Kate also revealed the baby is due in mid-July and she plans to stop working in June.

The Duchess elected to wear the blue and grey plaid 'Workers Coat' by Moloh. The £425 100% wool garment features two side pocket, double back vent and is fully lined. Tartan was very much an appropriate choice for the occasion, many of us anticipated Kate would opt for a tartan print. The only criticism is the length of the piece with many thinking it is too short. What are your thoughts? The Duchess has chosen a series of stylish coats with forgiving lines throughout her pregnancy thus far.

Moloh

In recent weeks a number of media outlets reported British brand Moloh is a favourite of the Duchess of Cambridge's stating she's regularly spotted in the flagship store in Chelsea. The statement baffled those of us who follow Kate's style because until today she has never publicly worn any of their pieces. The brand is ten years old and draws inspiration from 1960s icons such as Julie Christie and Lauren Hutton - clothes are produced in short runs from Scottish and English mills (no doubt the Scottish connection didn't escape Kate when choosing the coat).

A spokeswoman for the company said:

'She's worn the brand before a few years ago but it's great to see she's a loyal fan. The coat is from our collection released this year. Only 20 have been made, so once they've gone, they've gone'.

Continuing on in her role as a volunteer in the Scout Association, the Duchess will attend the National Review of Queen's Scouts at Windsor Castle on Sunday, April 21. The event dates back nearly eight years and recognises the outstanding achievements of both adults and young people through a parade and service held annually within Windsor Castle by gift of Her Majesty the Queen.

'In the morning, Queen's Scouts will form in Victoria Barracks for a rehearsal, while adult award holders will take part in a Mattins service in St George's Chapel.

Around Midday, the Quadrangle (a private area, which is a privilege for us to use) will fill with approximately 2,000 award holders and guests.'

During the event, Kate will spend time talking with some of the 400-plus Queen's Scouts from around the UK and the Commonwealth and will meet gallantry award holders, who have been nominated for their bravery and heroism and meeting adversity in their everyday lives. Working with the Scouts is obviously something Kate enjoys immensely and following her involvement with the association including her visit to the Great Tower Activity Centre last month 10,000 people have applied to become volunteers; now that's what we call "The Kate Effect"...

The Scout Association Facebook

April 21st is a very special day for the royal family as it marks the Queen's birthday. It is expected Kate will have birthday tea with the family following the event.

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Tomorrow William and Kate will accompany Prince Charles to open a new Outdoor Centre at Dumfries House, they will also visit the Astute-class Submarine Building at BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness! It's shaping up to be an exciting month for the royals and we have something very special taking place at the end of the month. I cannot wait to tell you all about it!

In my opinion Kate's recent coats are too short. Kate has got great legs YES, Kate is young YES, but during her official visits she is not simply Kate, she is the Duchess and IN MY OPINION she should take this fact into account and come back to longer coats.Thank you Charlotte for such a wonderful post and blog.Hugs :)

In my opinion this is one of Kate's worst looks in a while. The coat is ill fitting, she needs to begin investing in maternity clothing. The length of the coat is WAY TOO short, it makes her look like a school girl, and is also inappropriate with high heels. She needs to lower the hemlines, this hemline is not flattering. The pattern of the coat is nice, and looks great with her coloring. I also love her hair and makeup today, she looks refreshed and happy.

I totally agree! I'm a huge Kate fan, but I must say her fashion choices are so predictable. A coat that's 5 inches too short, opaque tights and black shoes or boots. What could have saved this outfit: slacks (like Princess Mary wears) or a longer skirt (knee length) underneath the coat. Please Kate wear something different on April 21.

I think the color is awful. Very dull and depressing. I thought at first it was the McQueen coat she wore at her old school and that it had just lost it's color after being washed and altered. And you are right about her clothes being predictable. I said not too long ago that I feel she's going to wear a coat with opaque tights and black shoes in colder climates. Every. single. time. And the tartan is getting a bit silly everytime she does anything associated with Scotland.

I agree with most others that it is too short. Has nothing to do with it being 'inappropriate' but rather the tailoring is so bad she just looks silly.

Agree with both of you. Actually,as tartan was obvous choice for Scotland,I thought she would have had altered her McQueen,and now seeing this coat, I´m disappointed she did not. McQueen has far better lenght and material, this coat sticks wierdly and wrinkles. I don´t get the point of buying another (non maternity) tartan coat of worst lenght, material, colour... She also could have worn the yellow Emilia Wickstead too - that has one forgiving waistline :) and could be completed with her Streathern scarf..maybe today.Predicable yes. And I have to admitt I don´t like these boots (I love her Russel and Bromley Charge it boots e.i), the elastan material looks like something I wore in 1998,girlish and rather cheap. Proper suede or leather boots would make whole outfit looking more adult.All in all, agree with Sara P., not a good look. But she looks happy, that counts:)

I totally agree with Claire & MariBy. The Duchess is beautiful and can wear anything and look stunning. Being 31 is not over the hill bluhare. You make it sound like she is over the hill...lol Being married to William does not mean she has to wear clothes that make her look like a grandma. I am sure if William thought it was out of line to wear something short he would have told his wife before they left home this morning. Who knkow's maybe William loves seeing his beautiful wife in short dresses.

And if the Queen thought her dress was to short when she attended the engagement last week or so with the Queen, the Queen would have put her on notice to wear longer dresses. It does not seem like the queen does not mind the short dresses. If I remember right Shopie has worn short dresses before and nobody said anything about it.

MariBy, so you have no issues with the Duchess of Cambridge flaunting royal protocol which states hemlines should be at the knee?

When she first got engaged I remember she was criticised for her short skirts; and they were a bit longer than these. I think Kate is sensitive about her changing body and is trying to hide the fact that her bottom is expanding more than she would like it to. Again, my opinion only. But dressing like a parochial school girl (as we'd say over here) isn't the way to address it either. She can stick with the trapeze shapes, but for god sakes, don't let us see the baby waving!

Again MariBy I agree with you. bluhare you are making it sound like Kate is some kind of Hussy. Again if the Queen thought her dress was to short she would have said somethign to her during their joint engagement. And furthermore if theDuchess thought she was breaking with what you call royal protocol she would not have worn the dress as short. The Duchess is very cauious as to what she can and can not wear.

I think the coat is too short - not from the angle of it being inappropriate for a woman in her position, but it is just an unflattering, unfashionable length. On anyone. Of any age/stature. I think Kate is a beautiful woman, her hair and makeup (and most of all, smile!) are spot-on - but I feel like she is lost in how to dress at the moment. Her look is appearing very dated. I think if she followed the lead of the very stylish (and pregnant) Swede Stina Auer, she would look far more comfortable (she doesn't look relaxed at the moment - the short styles aren't easy to wear). Princess Mary of Denmark always gets it right, too. Sorry to sound so brazen - It's just that Kate is so beautiful - I feel like she is letting herself down!

Well, Pauline, and MariBy, there is such a thing called Royal Protocol where women's hems are to be at the knee. Kate's been thumbing her nose at that since day 1, and I'll have to go-a-googling about the Queen and her opinion of Kate's hems as I remember reading something.

And now they are getting higher. No, she does not need to dress like a grandma, but she could dress as befitting her position as mother to a future monarch of Britain.

Lately the Duchess wears such short hem lines that it makes me wonder if it's intentional - and possibly to distract from all of the attention that would otherwise be paid to her bump! Anyone else have this thought???

I think she is purposely showing off her legs to distract from her face - which looks puffy and tired. We've seen this woman naked for heaven's sake - the pearl clutching about a short skirt with tights is hysterical.

I am assuming the shorter skirts are her way of dealing with her changing body. It must be hard when everyone watches and comments on every think you wear and your appearance to sudden change so much.I must say in the pictures she does not look pregnant so the short skirt and busy plaid were a good choice.

Worn with opaque tights, I feel the length is perfectly acceptable. It is certainly true that whilst people are complaining about the length everything else is forgotten--which must be a relief, but I wonder if the real reason is she is buying "off the peg", where length will be a little difficult for her. It's a long time since I was pregnant, but I do remember that waiting for things to be made was difficult, as by the time the garment was ready one's shape had changed again.I thought she looked lovely.

I agree off the rack are on the short side for her but since she is not buying maternity clothes her additional bulk around the middle probably makes the coat rise even more. If she bought maternity off the rack the skirts would be a bit longer perhaps

Kate looks wonderfully healthy and delighted to see her in tartan in Scotland. But that coat is too short and all those short coats starts to look like compensation - that she is nervous about gaining weight and trying to show off her legs. Instead, she looks chunkier. The fit is also poor. She looked so elegant on Saint Patrick's Day. I wish she would go back to that length and where some properly tailored clothes that would make her look slimmer.

Wonderful news about the Scouts. I hope the effect lasts but even if only half those people stay the course, it will have done tremendous good.

I am in complete agreement. Rumpled and way too short. I saw a photo of her crouching to speak to children and well...... it's a good thing there was no photographer behind her! The skirt on her coat looks a lot more flared than the original, which is not suitable to the plaid fabric. I am also sick to death of the dull colors she has been wearing for months! She in no way appears to be six months pregnant, and I wonder if her doctors are concerned about low birth weight for the baby?

My sister is built like Kate, tall and slender and fit, and you could not tell she was pregnant until the very end of her first pregnancies. She had nine pound babies, too. I am pretty sure for as many women as there are in the world, there are just as many shapes and sizes of pregnancies

Great post in one minute i read it in twitter feed and now im reading it on your blog i really love the coat charlotte how to manage the blog and your work i admire you for your passionate in your blog

I am an ardent admirer of the Duchess. That said, the outfit today flirts dangerously close to that (sometimes unfortunate) look we have here in the States: that of leggings and the inexplicable tunic/dress/shirt look that can only be carried off by leggy waif-like women - not a beautifully blooming pregnant one! The coat as shown in the "stock" photo is much longer and when longer is really quite elegant. By tailoring it so short she ruined it's lines. Ah well. Nobody's perfect. I note she usually Flawlessly nails her look - it is admittedly difficult to get used to one's new shape while expecting.

I don't think she has tailored it. If you count the lines on the original, and count the lines on Kate's you get the same number. And the flaring looks the same. So I think she is wearing it the way it came. But I do think she sized-up, because it seems a little too big across shoulders and in the arms. But she still looks lovely :)

I agree that the coat is too short. I think she may be concerned about getting bigger around her middle, and she must be thinking that showing more of her legs will make her look thinner, or give her more shape. It's a very tricky time in pregnancy, when one is between regular and maternity clothes. It has to be difficult to find a coat to wear during pregnancy that doesn't make one (even Kate) look box-like. I agree with whomever posted that she could have worn trousers or a longer skirt underneath the coat instead of tights and heels. Even leggings and ballet flats would have been better, in my opinion. I do love the tartan and the blue looks lovely with her sapphires. Her hair and overall glow are also fabulous. I'm looking forward to the warmer weather when the Duchess can get away without a coat, and surprise us with a proper-length but form-fitting maternity dress! :-)

I agree about the shortness of her dresses/coats. Especially now that she is going to be a mother, and moving forward with more serious royal roles, I think they need to at least come to the knee or a little beyond.

The Duchess is gorgeous in absolutely anything, and I am sure the extra inches of fabric won't do her any harm.

I don't see why you have to wear a longer length dress or coat just because you are about to be a mother? It's a bit like saying you have to have short hair once you reach a certain age?

I agree this is a little short, but I don't see why she shouldn't wear short if that is what she wants to do. the Queen used to wear short skirt suits in her younger days, so being Royal isn't a barrier to wearing shorter skirts!

The fact that so many people have commented on this one thread tells me all I need to know. She needs to lower her hems. If this many people who are fans think she should, then there are bound to be a lot of other people out there who think it as well. Being "appropriate" has eveything to do with being a royal, and they are dependent on public opinion/public acceptance. It's lunacy to think otherwise and to think she can just willy nilly do as she pleases. She can't. It will work to her disadvantage which no one on this blog wants to see. Think Fergie with her fashion faux pas of the past. Granted she had social gaffes to match which, thankfully, Kate hasn't had.

So far, Kate has done her best, and people are pulling for her. She can, however, do better with better hems on her dresses, particularly dresses that don't stick out like a triangle. Pippa would look fine in a hem that short, but she's half a head shorter and not in line to the throne.

I gather from the scowls that Miss Deacon and Mr. Lowther-Pinkerton are always seen wearing in public that neither of them thinks too highly of the public or of the royals making actual contact with commoners. Just an observation. They need some lessons in "people skills" from Kate, who always seems happy and enthusiastic. Deacon has been called Kate's personal assistant so I'd guess that Lowther-Pinkerton serves the role of private secretary/minder to them both for the time being.

I have to agree with many of you. I'm not liking the length of Kate's dresses, coats, etc. I don't think her clothes were that short BEFORE her pregnancy. It's just not a good look for her or appropriate. I hope she's not receiving bad advice from someon elsee, but I doubt that. I think she is a woman who makes her own fashion choices.

I also noticed the coat looks rumpled and in need of a good pressing. It's a shame because I love the plaid!

Loved the quick update and lovely pictures--thank you, Charlotte! I must agree that the coat is too short, I think just a few more inches would have changed the whole look for the better! It must be hard to be in the public eye and know that you are changing because of pregnancy, so I understand why she may be leaning towards shorter skirts...but I don't like it. ;)

Im pretty sure the duchess knows the position shes in. she knows who shes married to. And most likely knows her title. So if she chose to wear that coat, it was for a reason. I dont think length is her first priority. She chose something we havent seen, something that fits her body, and something she LOVES. That makes her beautiful. She is glowing and looks very happy. People need to stop commenting on what Kate was thinking. She knew what she was doing.

She is missing with this, and it would be to her advantage to pay attention to her hems. She is no longer a private citizen, but a girl who will be queen. You don't see the queen doing this or the rest of the royals.

I love Kate and think she always looks so pulled together. While plaid is a personal favorite and looks good on her, I think the coat is too short on her.

That being said, I think she should pay more attention to her hemlines in general. It might be because she's so tall that things sometimes seem too short on her, hems that would fall in a different spot on a shorter woman, but whatever the case, she needs to come down a few inches with her hems. I'm always afraid of some mishap when the wind blows or when she sits. Plus I think it looks more dignified to have longer skirts as a Royal. She can still show off her legs in a longer hemline. Finally, she needs to take a page out of Jackie Kennedy's book and stand with one leg in front of the other. Jackie combatted bow-leggedness that way. I don't know if I would exactly call Kate bow-legged, (she really has pretty legs), but I think it could be a more flattering stance for her.

Please don't think I'm flaming Kate. I think she is doing a marvelous job and apparently is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. That counts most in my book.

Kate is absolutely beautiful and her smile radiates happiness!!! I will say her outfit did nothing for me. While I am a fan of tarten patterns, the colors on Kate's dress today were very drab. It also seemed to have a frumpy fit. The length of her coats has never bothered me, but today is an exception. For some reason this looked very short and definitely should have been longer. I hate being critical, but I think it's time for some nicely tailored maternity wear.

I love to see Will and Kate together! They seem like they really do enjoy each others company. I loved how the observer said they laugh alot together. :) I always love seeing them with children and they interact so well with them. The little girl refusing William's kiss was too funny! My daughter would have been the one giving him a kiss...LOL!!! She adores William!!!

Charlotte, I LOVE the picture you posted from their graduation day. They look so young, happy, and in love. Theirs really is a great love story...**sigh**. :) Won't they have great stories for their children?!?!

Just DYING to hear what the exciting news is for the end of the month!!! Thanks for the AMAZING post today!!! Fabulous job!!! Looking forward to tomorrow's engagements and post!!!

Thanks, Charlotte, appreciate that. Used to typing those numbers on eBay and the like, but the ones you had were particularly hard to read and decipher. A couple of times I got mistaken for a machine. (News to my husband who reminds me his laptop doesn't talk back.) Understand they may be necessary if too much spam but hope they can be avoided when possible!

The queen and Princess Anne looked pretty lousy in them too and probably cringe when they see the photos today. (I wore them too back them and also could do without the photos.) Haven't seen a photo of Sophie in too short a skirt and a lot of her clothes are lovely but her blue Easter dress was way too tight.

Don't care how old Kate is or whether or not it's appropriate for royal duties. She simply doesn't look good in that short a skirt, particularly because it flairs. The outfit looks unfinished and Kate's legs look much thicker than they are. She would look better in a short straight skirt but would have the same problem a lot of professional women have of looking like she has thunder thighs when she sits down.

Well, I think we all agree that Kate is a very pretty woman...and she can wear lots of different looks...even now 5+ mos. pregnant! However...even with opaque tights the skirt & coat were too short. Of course, I'm not a fan of the heavy opaque tights either...but then, I don't live in England or Scotland. I just think the combination of the high boots, thick tights, and short hem didn't really do her any favors. And I think her hems ought to be longer regardless ... at least when she is "on duty."

I don't mind the shorter lengths, I admit I too perhaps prefer her in knee length, but I fail to understand why she has to where longer lengths just because she a duchess or a mother or over 30? In my personal view it is a little bit prejudice like perhaps saying women over a certain age shouldn't wear long hair. I think it's one thing to day you prefer a longer length but another to say she shouldn't wear something because of her position or age? The queen used to wear shorter skirt suits in her younger days as did Diana do I fail to see why Kate I don't mind the shorter lengths, I admit I too perhaps prefer her in knee length, but I fail to understand why she has to where longer lengths just because she a duchess or a mother or over 30? In my personal view it is a shouldn't if she chooses too. I personally don't like this cost but I did like the cream goat one and that was short

Diana never wore anything that short in any of the pictures I have of her, and I have a huge collection of magazine articles and books on the Princess. She was always perfectly pulled together, with a couple of clownish exceptions on a trip she made to Italy. Boy, there was one hat in particular... BAD. But overall, she gets HIGH marks for being stylish. And the queen is a lot shorter than Kate. Short people look better in shorter skirts. My 5'8" sister is gorgeous, too, but she looks better in a longer skirt. As a matter of fact, she looks a lot like Kate.

I think that most of us on here want to see Kate look her very best because we LIKE her and want to see her succeed. Let's face it, some day she will be queen. She is in a professioal role as a Duchess, for which the British people pay handsomely, and she is a dignitary representing the Royal Family and the UK. As such, she needs to dress to the job. This is what they are paid to do. She's on the clock. When I was the head of a charity agency and went out representing them, I dressed to fit the agency and dressed conservatively but well. I don't want Kate to look dowdy, and I don't believe longer hemslines will make her look that way I've just thought some of the shorter hems on a few of the outfits, this one included, look less becoming for lack of a better word and almost silly-looking. One person said below that the coat looked as if it were shrunk in the wash. Agreed.

I wonder if her coats are too short because they are not meant to be maternity wear and therefore aren't fitting properly. Although I am sure she has people to keep her clothes in good shape, I know from experience that it is easy to ruin your clothes by wearing them during your pregnancy. You think they fit fine until you try them on after your pregnancy and you realize you have stretched them. It would be a shame do to that to such expensive clothes. I am anxious to see her in real maternity wear

Thanks for the post! It's so nice to see William and Kate together. I agree with previous commenters that the coat worn today is too short in length. Perhaps it would have looked better if it didn't have such an a-line shape and didn't poof out at the bottom so much. It IS very tricky to find a flattering look at this stage in pregnancy, so I commiserate with the Duchess, who is out in the public eye so much. But I think the Duchess looked much more classy and elegant in the longer green coat on St. Patrick's Day. I do hope she returns to longer lengths soon, as well as invests in some actual maternity wear. She's already almost 6 months pregnant and while I know she's trying to stretch her wardrobe for as long as she can, the fact of the matter is that she will still have to buy some maternity items. When I was expecting I also put off buying maternity clothes but once I did (at around 4 months pregnant, so two months earlier than where the Duchess is at this point in pregnancy), I felt so much better and my thinking is, since you'll need them anyway, you might as well buy them sooner rather than later and get the most mileage out of them while you're pregnant. That said, Catherine still looks great, and, most importantly, healthy! Looking forward to tomorrow's post, Charlotte!

I know I have said this before, but I have no problem with her short skirts or dresses and if I had legs like that I'd wear short things too. I don't think it matters what your age is either - great legs are great legs. Have you seen Tina Turner recently? ;-)

This isn't my favorite outfits of hers though, but I do think it was a good choice for what she was doing. It was warm, comfortable and didn't outshine the reason for the visit. I get the impression Kate gives a great deal of thought into wearing things that don't flaunt her income while meeting the everyday people.

I think Kate herself looked lovely such a shame she spoiled it by wearing a really cheap looking, miserable coloured, far too short coat! So far this year we have hardly seen Kate wear anything close to a colour it's all monotones or greiges, the dreaded thick black tights and black boots yawn. Red is her best colour it would be nice to see her wear some red or pink, goodness knows there is enough doom and gloom around without her dressing in doom and gloom non colours. The only time Kate had her hems right was on official tours as soon as she was back on UK soil up went the hems - it's not a good look when on duty and she should stop it now and start dressing as a royal lady.

Thank you Scarf Addict and Deb. I've been saying this for months, but she seems to hate colour. I point out that the only real 'color' she wears is blue/green and people say it looks good on her. She's a brunette. Brunettes look great in every color!

She only seems to wear color during foreign tours. I personally want to see her in more purple and I have never seen her in orange. The Queen is like a moving rainbow and it's always so lovely.

Was just looking at the photographs on the Mirror's site. The Duchess bending over to greet children. Probably a case of "I see London, I see France" (an Americanism?) if you were standing behind her and if she keeps up this length, one of these days, a photographer will grab a shot showing her knickers. Sadly the short length makes the coat look skimpy and cheap and the Duchess's legs thick. Not a good look which is a pity because it is an unusal Tartan and grey is a good colour on the Duchess.

On same short is a nice shot of the Wales staff sitting behind them. After your excellent post, Charlotte, we recognize them.

Not a good outfit but a great engagement. William looks so happy greeting all the people and the Duchess radiant.

Contrary to most, I very much love this look. She looks wonderful! These people must be wearing floor length skirts every day because saying this is too short is CRAZY! I just don't understand this way of thinking. She still looks like a beautiful royal lady. If this is too short for a pregnant woman, I must be doing it all wrong ha! I hope the Duchess wears what she wants. She is not showing off anything as she is wearing it with tights! With her long beautiful legs I would be showing them off too! Love to see William and Kate together, so excited for the baby!! Charlotte, love your blog you are the best! Can't wait to here the exciting news

I have to agree with others on the length of Kate's dresses and/or coats. They are much too short for someone of her position and also a mother-to-be. They seem to have gotten shorter. I hope she's not getting advice from a stylist, but I doubt it. She seems to be the kind of person who makes her own decisions when it comes to her wardrobe.

Thanks, Charlotte! You do a fantastic job of keeping this site current!

I don't really understand why being a mother-to-be has anything to do with it. Why can't women still be attractive and dress youthfully while they're pregnant?? She's a beautiful young woman in a cute coat, and I don't think there is anything wrong with what she is wearing. Not to mention the fact that it's still barely noticeable that she's pregnant anyway!

I'm curious Maeve. Do you go to work in a dress that is 6 inches above your knee and tights? Because I don't. There is no professional setting where that is acceptable.

It seems to me that most people are objecting to the length of the coat, not because there is anything inherently wrong with short skirts (I know it's hard to believe but we're not ALL a bunch of uptight prudes here).. but because there IS a dress code when one acts in a professional capacity. Just as you would not want to see a shirtless man be a doctor, or a lawyer, or a man in shorts act as a CEO in a board meeting, by the same token you want a woman, including DofC to be dressed appropriately and professionally. And that means in clothing that does not distract from the job.There are pictures where one would literally be seeing her panties when she's bending over.. That is *NOT* appropriate in any setting, period.

All the other European princesses including Countess Sophie manage to get the hemlength right AND look ravishing. And they get taken seriously. Something that cannot be said for DofC who unfortunately is still just a pretty face, and may remain that forever.

Agreed, Am I the only one who wonders why she NEVER wears pants. Not all the time but one in awhile would be a changed from her boring dull colored outfits.Princess Mary of DEnmark, is such as fashion icon that Kate would be well served to copy. She always gets it right and never looks rumpled with button marks showing.

William and Kate look so happy and comfortable together. It's wonderful to see.

And, this is the first time I am saying this, but I do think this coat was a bit too short. I thought her recent choices were fine, but this one pushed it. :) Also in the "sunny" shots, the material appears to wrinkle easily doesn't look like the best quality.

I'd just like to see Kate in actual maternity clothes, not trying to squeeze into old clothes and make them awkward & uncomfortable looking. I also wish Kate would consider wearing pants sometime. And not the skinny jeans she insists on wearing, but some nice, real dress pants. I always like the way Crown Princess Mary (I think that's her name) from Denmark dresses. In my opinion Kate could take some pointers from her on an appropriate royal wardrobe

I think, having studied the picture from the company website, that the coat has been shortened. It appears to be missing the bottom grey stripe. Either way it's far too short. I think it looks like she forgot to put her trousers on!!!

I guarantee Kate is expecting a girl. Kate face changes to worse, it is a best sign of girl. It is too early to say if she is carrying in front or all around. Will see her at 8 months pregnant when it will be obvious.

Kate looks gorgeous and happy :) I dont get the fuss about the coat length. She has lovely legs and I think its awesome she's showing them off! I dint quite like the coat design, I was hoping she would recycle green tartan coatdress she wore to her school, where she played hockey in heeled boots. She could've accessorized the coat she wore, with a pin or a brooch to add a bit of sparkle.I dint get that tweet from her personal assistant getting exasperated by Kate's walkabout. What did she want,, another Grimsby fiasco?The video of William and Kate with those kids is adorable :)Thanks chica for this post and the awesome pictures!!xoxo

I love seeing the Duke & Duchess together, especially seeing how happy they are. :o) Very thrilling for all the people they met and those who got to see William & Kate today - and what a variety of places and causes they highlighted.

While Kate's coat may have been a tad short for my taste, I'm not the person wearing it. If the coat made her feel comfortable, I say, "Go for it." I remember not wearing maternity clothes until my six month of pregnancy, but definitely wearing clothes that made me feel comfy. I'm confident that she'll ditch the coats and start wearing more spring- and summer-like clothing when she's ready.

Jealous? Not in the least! I think it's safe to say that almost everyone who visits and/or leaves comments on this site are HUGE fans/supporters of Kate and William! We call 'em as we see 'em and when it comes to fashion, there will be many different opinions.

Way, way too short. And because it was way too short, and because it's a fairly light-toned plaid and wool, it made her look way too wide, even as petite as she is. I can't imagine who is tailoring these garments or advising her on the tailoring but she needs to find a new tailor ASAP. First we had, when she was nowhere near being pregnant, the waistlines sewn so artificially high they were nearly at her chin, now we have go-go length hemlines. If she's trying to focus on the charity and focus attention away from the pregnancy, thigh-high coats and dresses aren't the way to do that. I'm all for wearing the clothes that make you comfortable but tailoring is another matter entirely.

I am glad that Quarriers Stopover Protect and DDLC are getting the much needed attention. Kate and William are obviously in their element at sporting events. They look so happy togeather ! :) As far as the coat goes I love the plaid, the colors, the shape, the buttons. :) but, not the length :(As far as the comments above about the Queen saying anything to Kate. I would have to say, I think Queen Elizibeth is very happy with Kate and realizes that hemlines go up and down. (she has been around for awhile) therefore, that conversation is not critical. Obviously my thoughts, not the Queens.

Is there a particular place to see a video of the little girl shying away from William? The little girl trying to eat the flowers is adoreble.

Hi Sarah, the video link is just above the picture of William with the girl. Read the lines above the British royals tweet carefully, the video link is in that line where Charlotte mentions William is discouraged :)

Hello Ms. Charlotte- I was just looking at photos from newscom.com and there was one photo that I thought was priceless. William has is back to the camera and is facing his Duchess with his hand in hers and it is on her tummy (at least that is what it looks like). i have no idea where it was taken without other people seeing it. But it was taken today.

I don't think the coats she wears appear too short because Kate is "so tall". She is only 5'8". I mean, that's certainly above average, but hardly the towering height everyone seems to have been made to believe she is.My sister was at university with Kate and was almost the same height, at 5'6"...

My opinion is she wears short coats because 1. She DOES have nice legs, no doubt about it and 2. because she is getting used to her pregnancy weight and her legs are the only part that still looks the same? Just an opinion...!

The duchess is a lovely young woman, dresses well for her appointments and has presented herself well. But she needs a seamstress if she is going to continue to adapt a regular wardrobe to her changing figure. This coat: 3rd button from the top has been moved, hem has been shortened. If one is moved all must be moved to keep in line with the check pattern. Peach coat: buttons moved, not pressed and thread doesn't match nor does orientation of button holes. Brown coat: the covered snap shouldn't be visible, means it isn't the right place. A good seamstress would be her best friend before and after pregnancy.

Poor Catherine---there is criticism of her whatever she does. She may very well have organized her maternity wardrobe for spring and summer---but unfortunately the British weather doesn't recognize seasons. I started thinking of my spring outfits over a month ago---but have had to go back to burying myself in warm winter woollies. In pregnancy you cannot always do that--someone mentioned wishing she had worn the outfit she wore to visit her old school--I'd be very surprised if she could fit into it now.After the criticism yesterday I think most of us would have just buried our heads under the duvet---but she cannot do that.Bear in mind that those actually there yesterday made no criticism.The DM has been gunning for the couple since Christmas--they have an axe to grind.Bear in mind when the Queen had her first child--it was merely announced that she would undertake no more public engagements---no reason why. Times have changed, but all the public comparison of her bump and the even worse suggestions that she is not pregnant must be hard to bear.

Robin Indiana USAWilliam and Kate look like they are having a wonderful time. I guess I am in the minority because I love the the way Kate looks. There is nothing wrong with her hemline and we have to remember Kate is a tall lady. I love the tartan print and the company said they only made 20 coats. I would think William would have something to say to Kate if he thought her outfits were getting too short. I did not start wearing maternity clothes until my 6mo for my first child. For me the only thing that matters is both William and Kate were having a blast laughing, joking around meeting as many people as they could. They both looked relaxed and having a great time together. To you Charlotte well done can't wait to see what comes next. Goodbye for now Robin.

I don't have any problem with Kate wearing shorter hemlines per se - she has a fantastic figure so good for her, I say. Having said that, I didn't like this outfit simply because it just doesn't look right, rather like it's shrunk in the wash! But clothes aside, our Duchess was glowing and I love seeing her and William doing joint engagements and for some really good causes. Annie, UK

I've been following the discussion of the coat's length and you can put me in the too short camp. Actually, I think several of her recent outfits have been too short. This particular outfit is one of the Duchess's rare missteps fashion wise. My first reaction was that it is way too short and my second was that it looks like a lampshade.Today's red coat is much more flattering.Love the site and appreciate all the hard work.

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